4th & Long: Takeaways from Bowden & Weis Exits

Two of the most high-profile college football coaches got the boot this past week. Charlie Weis was outright fired at Notre Dame, while Florida State's legendary Bobby Bowden was allowed to announce his retirement instead of accepting a demotion for what would have been his 35th year running the team.

Needless to say, both gents walk away with to-die-for bank accounts. In Weis' case, the speculation is that he could pocket an $18 million buyout of his 10-year contract. Clearly, Charlie isn't sitting around trying to figure out if he should take Social Security at 62 or wait for the bigger payout at age 70.
Still, there are some lessons us poor schlubs could learn from Charlie and Bobby on how to navigate today's tricky employment world.

• Laurels are Not to Be Rested On. Bowden won two national championships (1993 and 1999) and in his 34 years as head coach at Florida state he merely went 315-97-4. But a career .757 win percentage became irrelevant after Bowden's Seminoles fell to 6-6 this year, marking the sixth straight season the team failed to post at least 10 wins; a feat it pulled off for 14 straight seasons through 2000. Even if you had Bowden-esque success in the past, it's what you are bringing to this year's bottom line that can determine your employment fate.

• Older Can be Valuable. Bowden is 80. Let me repeat: Bowden was still working at age 80. Now I know plenty of impatient Seminoles boosters will be quick to point out that he should have called it a career a few years ago. But let's remember: Bowden won his second national title when he was 65; he was the best in his field the same year he qualified for full Social Security benefits. Maybe Bowden could sign on as goodwill ambassador for the legions of 50- and 60-somethings who want to stay on the job, and could use some help convincing the boss they still have plenty left in the tank. And the next time you start groaning about working a few more years to ensure a secure retirement, give yourself a Bowden pep talk.

• Don't Burn Bridges. Weis landed the Notre Dame job based on his strong showing as offensive coordinator of the NFL's New England Patriots from 2000-2004, when the team rang up three Super Bowl wins. About 10 minutes after he was fired by the Irish, speculation began that Weis might return to the Pats or a handful of other NFL teams. Again, the guy clearly doesn't need to work, but if he wants to, it's nice to know the old gang is keeping a hoodie warm for him. Staying in touch --and on good terms -- with former teammates is just good career management.

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